How Volunteering Changed the Life of a Young Professional New Yorker

Binjamine Maurice has a unique name for a woman. She was named after her dad, but the spelling adds a new twist. But there’s more to Maurice than her given name. She’s been active with the New York Urban League Young Professionals for two years and she holds the
organization in high regard. “My experience has been fantastic. It’s a great place to meet likeminded young professionals who have a passion for professional development as well as for the community and improving the lives of children,” she beams.

An avid volunteer with NYULYP, Maurice volunteers at their annual football class, which raises money for their Whitney M. Young Scholarship. Also, “I volunteer with New York Cares [the city’s largest volunteer organization, running volunteer programs for 1,200 nonprofits, city agencies and public schools] and at Democracy Prep where I help students in the sixth grade improve their reading skills and test scores,” she offers.

Through her volunteer efforts, Maurice has learned a little something about herself. “I have a passion for teaching since my senior year in college. I currently teach adults. I am a vocational education instructor and since I’ve been volunteering with children, I’ve found that to be my niche,” she shares.

For this upcoming election, Maurice closes with “I hope that people have the same momentum for the presidential election that they had last term. People came out in droves; I hope that same excitement is here this November. I hope that people are active in their communities with their local [politicians] and have an interest in politics.” –yvette caslin